Course Code: SCIE 2001
Academic Year: 2025-2026
How on earth did the giraffe get such a long neck? The theory of evolution through natural selection is one of the most misunderstood and controversial theories of science. Yet it is the central unifying thread in biology. It explains the diversity of life, the similarities and differences among existing and extinct species, and the development of new species. It provides the framework for understanding emerging diseases, antibiotic resistant bacteria, the control of agricultural pests and the responses of endangered species to climate change. The theory of evolution is a key component of scientific literacy, needed for innovation and competitiveness in the 21st century workplace. In this course we will look at the history, experimental evidence and controversies surrounding this famous theory. Students will explore scientific literature on evolution and answer questions through dry lab experiments. Topics covered include natural selection, fitness and adaptation, genetic change, speciation, extinction and human evolution.